At 2.15pm today Balclutha Police were called to a plane crash at Balclutha Airport along with two Balclutha Fire Units and two Ambulances and the Rescue Helicopter . All services responded to the Airport but quickly ascertained the plane had crashed on the other side of the Clutha River which runs along the end of the runway .
All relocated to the site via Chicory Road Inch Clutha locating the crashed plane near the river with the two occupants out of the plane being assisted by a local farmer. A 46 year old male was lying on the ground and later ascertained to have suspected spinal injuries. The other male is aged 48 years. He was walking but has a suspected broken arm.
The Balclutha Fire Brigade sprayed foam across the scene as fuel was leaking from the left wing . The right wing had broken off and the plane sustained serious frontal damage .
Police placed a guard on the scene whilst CAA Civil Aviation Authority made arrangements for the plane to be recovered tonight.
The CAA will be conducting an investigation into the crash, assisted by Balclutha Police.
The plane had been taking off from Balclutha Airport piloted by the owner of the plane, who was the trainee pilot, when the engine began coughing . The instructor took over control and attempted to land on a flat area across the Balclutha River however the plane crash landed on what appears to rough ground. The plane was a KITFOX aircraft.
ENDS